In a significant development for the Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) community in Nigeria, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons With Disabilities (NCPWD), Dr. James David Lalu, announced plans to renovate the Karonmagiji Disability Colony in Abuja. This announcement was made during the Poverty and Disability Initiative in Nigeria (PADIN) Free Medical Outreach, held at the colony on Saturday.
Dr. Lalu revealed that the renovation plans include revitalizing the Karonmagiji Skill Acquisition Center, which has been a vital resource for PWDs in the community. “Where we are is a skill acquisition center, and we will soon commission its renovation,” he stated. He further disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the revival of six skills acquisition centers for PWDs across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.
The renovation of the Karonmagiji Skill Acquisition Center is part of a broader initiative aimed at empowering PWDs through skills training. Dr. Lalu highlighted the Commission’s commitment to providing skills training to at least 500 PWDs annually. “This is to provide alternative means of livelihood and combat poverty among persons with disabilities,” he said. The initiative also aims to address the issue of street begging among PWDs, which is against the provisions of the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018.
Dr. Lalu emphasized the importance of creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for PWDs, noting that the skills acquisition programs will cover various trades and crafts. These programs are designed to equip PWDs with the skills necessary to become self-sufficient and economically independent. “Our goal is to empower PWDs, enabling them to live dignified lives and contribute to society,” he added.
In addition to the renovation of the skill acquisition center, Dr. Lalu announced plans to improve the infrastructure of the Karonmagiji Disability Colony. He revealed that the Commission, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Power, would soon install a transformer to provide electricity to the center and the colony. “This will significantly improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities in this community,” he said. Access to reliable electricity is expected to enhance the functionality of the skill acquisition center and support various activities within the colony.
The announcement of these initiatives was met with enthusiasm by the residents of the Karonmagiji Disability Colony and other stakeholders. The renovation of the skill acquisition center and the provision of electricity are seen as crucial steps in improving the living conditions and opportunities for PWDs in the community. The initiatives are also in line with the broader goals of the NCPWD to promote the inclusion and empowerment of PWDs across Nigeria.
The PADIN Free Medical Outreach, which served as the backdrop for Dr. Lalu’s announcement, also showcased the ongoing efforts to provide healthcare services to PWDs. The outreach included free medical consultations, surgeries, and the distribution of medications and medical equipment. The initiative is part of a broader effort to improve healthcare access for PWDs, as outlined in the NCPWD’s strategic plan.
As the NCPWD prepares to implement these initiatives, there is a growing sense of optimism within the PWD community. The renovation of the Karonmagiji Skill Acquisition Center, along with the broader plans for skills training and infrastructure development, represent a significant step forward in the fight for equality and empowerment for PWDs in Nigeria. These efforts align with the renewed hope agenda of the Tinubu administration, which seeks to prioritize the well-being and inclusion of all Nigerians, particularly the most vulnerable.
In the coming months, the NCPWD, in collaboration with various partners, will continue to work towards fulfilling its mandate of promoting the rights and welfare of PWDs. The planned initiatives at the Karonmagiji Disability Colony are just the beginning of a broader effort to ensure that PWDs across Nigeria have access to the opportunities and resources they need to thrive.
